Joseph Gieseke, age 22, of Winger, MN died Saturday, June 15, 2013.

Joseph Marlin Gieseke, son of Michael and Kathy (Liebl) Gieseke, was born on February 5, 1991 in Crookston, MN. He grew up in Winger and attended Win-E-Mac High School. Joey was baptized at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen and later made his first communion and confirmed his faith at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fosston. As a teenager, Joey was active in baseball, knowledge bowl, and band. He was also involved in the Riverwatch program. After graduating from Win-E-Mac High School with the Class of 2009, Joey attended St. Cloud State University for two years. In 2011, he entered the United States Army National Guard. He traveled to Ft. Benning, GA for training and was serving as a Cavalry Scout. Joey spent many summers doing construction work with his uncle, Lonny, and was currently employed at Digi-Key Industries in Thief River Falls, MN.

Joey loved to spend time with family and friends. He enjoyed going to the lake with his cousins, listening to music, and socializing with friends. Joey was an avid sports fan and was often found watching the game, especially hockey and baseball. He always looked forward to hunting each deer season and duck hunting when he was able. In his younger years Joey also loved to read. He always had a special place in his heart for his dogs Buddy, Miles, and Gary. Joey made many wonderful memories, but his time was too short and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Joey is survived by his parents, Michael and Kathy Gieseke of Winger; two brothers, Jeremy (Emily) of Omaha, NE, and Jeffrey of Winger, MN; two nephews, Beck and Owen Gieseke of Omaha; his maternal grandparents, Cletus and Carol Liebl; aunts and uncles: Lonny (Judi) Gieseke, Lynnel (Don) LaPort, Gail (Dennis) Behm, Patti (Jim) Paul, Leslie (Terry) Lee, Loren (Mary) Gieseke, Randy (Pam) Gieseke, Gerri (Joe) Swiers, Jeannie (Steve) Krebsbach, Denise (Mark) TeBrake, Francis (Margaret) Liebl, Donna (Gary) Langaas, Pete (Marcia) Liebl, Carrie (Joe) Heisler, Diane (Doug) Kettner, Anita (Scott) Revier, Karen (Rob) Stech, and Duane (Janet) Liebl; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Marlin and June Gieseke; one uncle, Doug Liebl; and two cousins, Jill and Ryon Gieseke.

Memorial Services were held on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen.

Visitation was held Wednesday, June 19th, 2013, from 5-7pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30pm, at St. Michael's Church.

Inurnment was held at St. Michael's Cemetery in Mahnomen.